Blinders are a type of device used on horses to limit their peripheral vision. They are also used metaphorically to refer to anything that restricts a person’s view or understanding of a situation. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of blinders, their origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Blinders are a type of device that is attached to the bridle of a horse to restrict its peripheral vision. They are typically made of leather or plastic and are designed to prevent the horse from being spooked by sudden movements or distractions in its surroundings.
In a metaphorical sense, blinders refer to anything that restricts a person’s view or understanding of a situation. This could be a narrow-minded perspective, a lack of information, or a refusal to consider alternative viewpoints.
Origin
The use of blinders on horses dates back to ancient times when they were used to prevent warhorses from being spooked by the sight of their own weapons. The modern use of blinders on horses began in the 19th century when they were used in racing to prevent horses from being distracted by the crowd and other horses.
The metaphorical use of blinders dates back to the early 20th century when it began to be used to describe a narrow-minded perspective or a refusal to consider alternative viewpoints.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blinders are “a pair of flaps attached to a horse’s bridle to keep it from seeing to the side or behind.” The Cambridge dictionary defines blinders as “a pair of small leather or plastic screens that are attached to a horse’s bridle to prevent it from seeing anything to the side.” The Oxford dictionary defines blinders as “a pair of small leather screens attached to a horse’s bridle to prevent it from being startled by what it sees to the side.”
Associations
Blinders are commonly associated with horse racing, but they are also used in other equestrian sports such as show jumping and eventing. In a metaphorical sense, blinders are associated with a narrow-minded perspective or a refusal to consider alternative viewpoints.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of blinders include blinkers, eye shields, and eye cups.
Antonyms
Antonyms of blinders include open-mindedness, broad-mindedness, and willingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
The same root words
The word blinders is derived from the verb “blind,” which means to make someone unable to see or to cause someone to be unable to understand something.
Example Sentences
- The horse was fitted with blinders to prevent it from being distracted by the crowd.
- His narrow-minded perspective was like a pair of blinders that prevented him from seeing the bigger picture.
- She removed the blinders of her own prejudice and began to see the world in a different light.